Tony Sandston who died in Christchurch recently gave many years service to the medical profession and to many outside organisations.

He was born and educated in Christchurch and lived most of his life there. After education at Medbury School and Christ’s College he proceeded to Dunedin qualifying in 1943. After a period in the Air Force and in Japan he returned to Christchurch to specialise in ophthalmology and after working as a registrar went to Britain where he obtained the DOMS. He returned to Christchurch where he spent 30 years on the hospital staff and 40 years in private practice. Tony was a good, conservative and overly modest ophthalmologist. He was a good deal better than he acknowledged.

He played a full part in the evolution of an increasingly busy department and also served as secretary, committee member and president of the Canterbury Division of the BMA. He became President of the Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand and for many years served as medical member of the Optician’s Board. His greatest contribution was made as a long-serving member of the Medical Association’s disciplinary committee where his sense of fair play and worldly wisdom were seen at their best. In 1945 Tony married Mary Wilson. Mary’s ebullience was offset by Tony's laconic humour and they were wonderfully gracious hosts. Tony was a natural athlete and played tennis with great determination as long as he was physically able. I do not think he could ever understand anyone having a house and not also a tennis court. Another life long interest was racing as an owner but principally as a member of the judicial committee where once more his fairness contributed to sensible decisions.

Tony was a quiet but charming man whose company was always a pleasure and whose opinion was graciously given and always of value.

Anthony Crowley Sandston was born November 5th 1919 and died March 5th 2002. He is survived by his wife Mary, three daughters, a son, and seven grandchildren.